Spanish Conversation · Level 73
59 words
Spanish word
devastación
Pronunciation
IPA/deβastaˈθjon/
Meaning
- feminine noundevastation
Example
La devastación de la guerra todavía se nota en la ciudad.
The devastation of the war is still noticeable in the city.
More examples
La tormenta causó una enorme devastación en la costa.
The storm caused enormous devastation on the coast.
Core concept
An entire city or countryside rendered uninhabitable by overwhelming destruction.
Common phrases
causar devastación
cause devastation
devastación por la guerra
devastation from the war
devastación económica
economic devastation
Similar words
destrucción: Damage destroying objects or buildings and eliminating their original shape or function.
desastre: Event or accident causing large-scale harm to people or property.
ruina: Collapsed or ruined building no longer usable.
desolación: Deserted, bleak scene marked by abandonment and silence.
Definition in Spanish
Ruina extensa y profunda de tierras, ciudades o estructuras que impide su uso normal, resultado de destrucción masiva.
Word origin
The word is a noun formation from devastar, traced to Latin devastare, literally 'thoroughly lay waste' from de- plus vastare.
Usage tips
- Although cognate with English devastation, the Spanish noun usually denotes physical, extensive ruin rather than a casual emotional state.
Other meanings
- destructionnoun
Opposites
- reconstrucciónreconstructionnoun
- restauraciónrestorationnoun
Related words
- devastardevastateverb
- devastadodevastatedadjective
- devastadordevastatingadjective